MURFREESBORO, TN—The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) presented the Outstanding Youth Award to two individuals for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the beef cattle industry. They received this award at the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Youth Awards Banquet sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is designed to recognize a well-rounded individual in the cattle industry. Winners are selected based on their presence in the cattle industry, both the show ring and production aspect, their involvement in their community and service to others, academics, and their plans for making a contribution to the cattle industry in the future.
“The TCA Outstanding Youth Award is another way for us to recognize youth who are excelling in the beef cattle industry,” said Luke Teeple, TCA Board of Director and Outstanding Youth Award sponsor. “These individuals work hard to manage their own cattle herds, are active in 4-H and FFA, and serve in their community. They deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary efforts.”
Allie Harrison from Kingsport, Tenn. won the junior division award for ages 12-16. The senior award winner, ages 17-21, was Jana Owen from Taft, Tenn.
The junior division winner received a $250 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. The senior division winner received a $1,000 cash award and trophy belt buckle sponsored by Oakdale Farms. Oakdale Farms is owned by the Luke Teeple Family of Sparta, Tenn.
“Being named the junior recipient of the TCA Outstanding Youth Award is a great honor,” said Allie Harrison. “It is nice to be recognized for my involvement in the cattle and agriculture industries. I am very thankful for all the people who have helped me along the way to receive this honor.”
Those eligible for the award must complete an application that outlines their involvement in the cattle industry thus far and state how they plan to stay involved in the industry in the future. They must also list their leadership roles and community involvement. The application must be endorsed by their Extension Agent, Agriculture Education Teacher, or county Cattlemen’s Association president. Applicants must also be a paid member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association.
“It is an absolute honor to receive the Outstanding Youth Award from such an incredible organization,” said Jana Owen. “TCA has been a huge supporter of my endeavors in the cattle industry for as long as I remember. I am also grateful for Oakdale Farms and their dedication to the youth association.”
Applications for the 2024 TCA Outstanding Youth Award will be available in the fall of 2024.
TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 6,500 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.
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For more information visit www.tncattle.org, email info@tncattle.org or call (615) 896-2333. Be sure to follow the TCA on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tncattle, Instagram, and Twitter accounts: @TennesseeCattle.
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